When it comes to the hottest trends in the biking world right now, look no further than the electric bike, or e-bikes. Not only are people embracing just how fun these are to ride, but it’s also acting as an eco-friendly life decision and can prove to be a very handy way to commute and get about town.
And just as you would find with a standard bike, there is no shortage of models and features to choose from here. What this means is that novice first-time owners have just as much selection as those more e-bike savvy owners who are looking for a second bike or perhaps a more advanced model.
But before you jump into the trend and purchase your first electric bike, there are some factors and tips worth being aware of. These will help ensure you find the right bike for you.
Choose the Style of Bike You're After #
For many shoppers, the best place to start is to figure out what style of bike you’re after. The typical categories are cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, folding bikes, road/commuter bikes, fat bikes, and cargo bikes. Each of these can be found in an electric model, and all have their pros and cons.
It comes down to how you plan to use the bike, where you will ride (the terrain), and how often you will ride.
Set a Budget You’re Comfortable With #
As you can probably imagine, with so many different styles of bikes to choose from, there is also a wide price range. You can find everything from low-cost entry-level models to the fully tricked out e-bikes that come in at a much higher price tag.
Keep in mind that a more expensive bike doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better; it’s all about the options and features offered. What this means is that you have that freedom to set a price you feel comfortable with and find a model that works within the budget.
Make Sure You Test Ride First #
Once you’ve narrowed down the style of bike you’re interested in, it’s time for a test ride. You want to be sure that what you pick you are comfortable riding. Just because a bike has a fabulous list of features and looks amazing, doesn’t mean it will be a comfortable ride for you.
Ask About the Warranty #
Just like with any bike, there should also be some sort of manufacturer’s and/or retailer warranty or guarantee. The warranty should cover such things as the motor, parts, and battery. Keep in mind that the warranties tend to get better and more comprehensive as the price of the bike goes up. This makes sense since you’re making a larger investment.
Take Note of the Battery #
While there are all kinds of components on e-bikes, all of which are important, it is the battery that should grab your attention. You want to be able to get a decent amount of riding time out of a single charge, and you want to know that the battery charges quickly and will last for at least a few years.
In general, e-bike batteries will offer anywhere between 500 and 1,500 charges until they reach their lifespan. That’s a pretty big difference that can factor out to between three to five years of use.
It should also be noted that there are specific care and maintenance steps you will need to take to prolong the life of the battery. These include such things as keeping the battery cool, not storing a battery that is too low, and not making a habit of discharging the battery completely regularly.
Consider Electric Bike Insurance #
You’ve heard of car insurance but what about electric bike insurance? Because you are making this investment in your bike, it just makes good sense to protect it. You can find electric bike insurance that features such coverage as being insured at its full value, theft coverage, crash damage coverage, replacement bike rental, theft away from home, medical payments, racing coverage, cycling apparel insured, and more.
What makes this insurance even more attractive is the fact it is a stand-alone policy. What this means is that any claims you make with your bike insurance will not affect your renter’s policy or homeowner policy premiums.
No-one wants to think of any accidents or unfortunate events occurring with their new bike, but the reality of the situation is that these things can happen. Having insurance is all about giving you peace of mind.
You’re Ready and Prepared to Make a Purchase #
By keeping all these tips in mind, and doing your due diligence, you’ll be able to find the right electric bike for your needs, your lifestyle, and of course a bike that fits within your budget.